Thorn Cycles Forum
Community => Thorn General => Topic started by: jags on December 02, 2011, 03:26:12 PM
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christmas is just around the corner and its time to stool the kids for a nice pressie well why not.
i'm after a nice pair of cycling trousers that also look good off the bike 'i'm thinking when i'm touring popping into shops and the like the lycra look can be a bit off putting ;D ;D
so anyone know where i can buy, i did see a lovely pair with corrine dennis but she hasn't got them in my size >:(
thanks.
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jags,
I use Ground Effect Ranchsliders (http://www.groundeffect.co.nz/product-detail-RAN-LON.htm) and like them a lot - no lycra in sight!
julk
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julk i like the look of them wonder if i can get a pair to fit properly , ;)
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Outlier
(http://shop.outlier.cc/shop/retail/pants/) and
Rapha
(http://www.rapha.cc/shop/shorts-and-trousers) are further options.
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thanks for that a tad expensive ::)
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Hi, Jags,
Look at these: http://www.betabrand.com/khaki-bike-to-work-pants.html
Regards,
Cedric
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If you prefer wearing slimmer-fitting jeans (or if work allows it), this might appeal:
http://us.levi.com/product/index.jsp?productId=11628403#BVRRWidgetID
Review here:
http://gizmodo.com/5837730/levis-commuter-jeans-skinny-jeans-with-biking-powers
Integrated belt loop u-lock holder and water-resistant fabric. Cell pocket and reflective cuff lining. Seem pretty spendy at USD$78, but might be available on discount for less.
Best,
Dan.
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I'm intrigued by this latest offering from Paramo. You can put them on without taking your footwear off and seem to be suitable for cycling in. Cold/wet weather only I imagine. Not cheap either at £145 but worth a look perhaps
http://www.paramo.co.uk/en-gb/garments/detail/index.php?pgc=NIKWAXANALOGYLIGHTTROUSERSQUITOMENS
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Hi, Jags,
Just found a new item that could be added to this post:
http://www.bikerumor.com/2012/07/09/endura-releases-urban-clothing-line-fashionable-functional-commuter-gear/
http://www.endurasport.com/Product.aspx?dept_id=110&prod_id=521
I haven't seen the prices yet for urban collection, but looking good and could be cheaper then Rapha.
By the way, now Rapha has these trouser for sale:
http://www.rapha.cc/rapha-trousers
for much reasonable prices. it seems that they won't restock them anymore as they launched new model (even more expensive), so now you have a chance but for only one colour.
Regards,
Oleksandr
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jags,
I use Ground Effect Ranchsliders (http://www.groundeffect.co.nz/product-detail-RAN-LON.htm) and like them a lot - no lycra in sight!
julk
I 2nd that!
Made in New Zealand Too :P
Pete......
;)
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Pete i love them as well but expensive ::)
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SWRV.co.uk has a lot of trousers and not too expensive :)
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cheers i'll pop over there now take a gander. ;)
nope no joy finding that site ::)
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I think the site referred to can be found at www.swrve.co.uk
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Darn forgot an e my bad, well spotted :)
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thanks folks got it ok a tad expensive and to young ::)
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Well one the models on it is deffo late 30s/early 40s but now I don't know what age you are :P
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I'm near enough at that age when you ask people what age would you take me for ;D ;D
and then stick out the chest when they get it wrong and say i'm ;)
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;D
Hope you find something!
There's nothing cycling specific non lycra for women at all.
All the trousers are male cuts...sigh...
Shiny black bums all around :D Hm maybe that's why there's nothing, the male designers don't want to lose out on the view :P
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...maybe that's why there's nothing, the male designers don't want to lose out on the view
I think you may have something there, Jawine, but I also think there may be less function-foremost when desiging women's cycling clothing, based on what I have seen in the stores and on female cyclists in my area this summer. There are very few proper short-sleeved jerseys for women being sold (and used...how to use if not available for sale?) here. Instead, there are lots of tank-cut tops and some ridicuously short cap-sleeves. As a result, there were also some pretty horrible sunburns during our spate of really hot weather this summer. I was stopped at a light and looked over, and the poor woman next to me had sunburn water blisters on her shoulders that were breaking and draining. She reached back and scratched, wished she hadn't, looked ruefully at me, and said, "I wish my jerseys had longer short-sleeves like yours. I guess it just isn't fashionable!"
Ah, there's a key influence, I think. Fashion. It's inflicting guys' wear as well, but I do see an awful lot of women's cycling clothing (yes, I do notice, but in a nice way*) that looks better suited to "spinning" classes in the gym rather than on-the-road use.
A shame, really. Like putting flower overwraps on crummy tool and labeling them "for women" and almost guaranteeing a bum job 'cos the tools are junk. Better a proper tool for the job, as my sister would far prefer over flower overlays.
I think it comes back to the misguided idea/preconception that people aren't capable...and providing them with tools to make it a self-fulfilling prophecy (nay, a "sure thing" if the tools are bad). I go off on rants about "kids'" cameras and such, too. If you want to introduce a child to photography -- and the child is responsible and serious about learning -- then a plastic box with a water-drop lens is not the way to go. Give them (and market) something small hands can use and grasp, but includes real tools for photography, like manual settings. It's a shame chemical photography has died out completely, as the best "learning" camera I found to introduce the principles of photography to children and neophytes (albeit too large for small hands) was the old Pentax K-100. Rugged, reliable, and nothing was better for really seeing what depth-of-field was all about.
For me, this all started with by rebelling against the over-large pencils we were required to use in kindergarten. My handwriting improved immediately when I was finally allowed to use a standard-diameter pencil.
All the best,
Dan. (who sometimes wishes the world made more sense...)
* I grew up in a family of sew-ers (I started to write "sewers" and realize it would read as if I was raised in the gutter!), and have long used a sewing machine myself for making panniers, cycling shoe overboots, rain gloves, filled vests, etc., so I tend to notice such things a bit more than average.
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Having expanded a waist size and now having a commute worthy of the investment, I'm in the market for some (above) knee length shorts. Used to be happy with Alturas, but being about 4 years since I last bought any, I was surprised to discover the trend for removable liners (which contain the padding) as the seeming default option, and the only option at the bike store I recently visited. I just prefer the old fashioned (non-lycra) variety with the padding sewn in - any recommendations gratefully received, thanks.
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Hi Fred!
Nice to see you back here. Are these shorts sort of what you have in mind?
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004ELBYE2/?tag=hyprod-20&hvadid=19396421016&hvpos=1o4&hvexid=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=1722891099565498782&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&ref=asc_df_B004ELBYE2
I see a lot of similar items turn up when I use the search string, "mtb shorts +chamois".
I've gotta say (as someone who is "careful" when buying bike clothes and usually gets shorts and jerseys on closeouts and often finds the latter at the Goodwill thrift store), some of the prices for these things make me gasp. Wowza! Amazon lists these for up to ninety-one dollars -- for shorts?!? I'd be skeert I'd hurt 'em and there goes the better part of a C-note (USD$100). Yikes. OTOH, some of these shorts and pants look very nice indeed, and True Quality lasts a long, long time, making some expensive shorts very cheap over the long haul.
Sierra Trading Post is a US company specializing in closeouts, overstocks, and last years' styles. In my own experience in the transactions I've had, their offerings can be a bit uneven, but they have a hassle-free good return policy. I got a wonderful deal there a couple years ago on my favorite Ex Officio Amphib shorts with built-in mesh brief that allows them to double as swiming trunks. They usually retail for around USD$65-$68 (and are truly worth it; the DuPont fabric treatment keeps them stain-free till they sun rot after 5 years of 6month/year -- May to October -- constant wear).
With that in mind, they do have the occasional killer deal. Among the current ones are these shorts, which might meet your needs:
http://www.sierratradingpost.com/canari-canyon-gel-baggy-cycling-shorts-for-men~p~4338d/?filterString=cycling~d~13%2F&colorFamily=01
Canari is...mmmokay in my experience, but the really good stuff is by Pearl Izumi, which STP also gets on occasion. Their cycling section is here: http://www.sierratradingpost.com/cycling~d~13/ I very much wish I had caught their closeout of Giordana black wool tights a couple years ago; my 30 year-old pair have worn till they're transparent in places, and I would dearly love to replace them. Mine have a double seat, double-faced knees, ankle zips and no chamois. Anyone know of something similar? Ibex carries some, but not with these features and not at the price I would hope for. I usually wear my wool tights when it is too cold for my lycra ones and when it is bitter, I wear them under the lycra ones; also ideal for camp use and sleeping in frigid temps.
Hope this helps.
All the best,
Dan.
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Fred also look at Corrine dennis.co.uk excellent gear at good prices. ;)
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I think you may have something there, Jawine, but I also think there may be less function-foremost when desiging women's cycling clothing, based on what I have seen in the stores and on female cyclists in my area this summer.
###Whew, it seems to be ever worse over your end of the water! We do get plenty of cycling specific kit, but it's all geared towards lycra kit. However, the tops are like the men's tops, maybe different colours, but same sleeve length etc.
Ah, there's a key influence, I think. Fashion. It's inflicting guys' wear as well, but I do see an awful lot of women's cycling clothing (yes, I do notice, but in a nice way*) that looks better suited to "spinning" classes in the gym rather than on-the-road use.
###Spinning...sitting on a bike that goes nowhere, and you probably driven down to the class in a car. HONESTLY :)
A shame, really. Like putting flower overwraps on crummy tool and labeling them "for women" and almost guaranteeing a bum job 'cos the tools are junk. Better a proper tool for the job, as my sister would far prefer over flower overlays.
###Don't get me started on that, worst kind of sex-role confirming guff there is.
BTW there's sturdy digital cameras for kids these days that are...well not like film but not too bad.
For me, this all started with by rebelling against the over-large pencils we were required to use in kindergarten. My handwriting improved immediately when I was finally allowed to use a standard-diameter pencil.
###Mine is still bad. Nothing like black ink, pencils from 2H-8B for a bit of drawing though :)
Dan. (who sometimes wishes the world made more sense...)
###That's where you and me go wrong ;)
* I grew up in a family of sew-ers (I started to write "sewers" and realize it would read as if I was raised in the gutter!), and have long used a sewing machine myself for making panniers, cycling shoe overboots, rain gloves, filled vests, etc., so I tend to notice such things a bit more than average.
###I can't sew to save my life. But I can probably fix your PC ;)
BTW e-bay is, I found, a good place for lightly used clothing for good prices. But expensive brands still go for a reasonable price, as quality kit doesn't wear down quickly.
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I like the MUSA trousers, from Rivendell.
http://www.rivbike.com/Bottoms-s/125.htm
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Thanks Dan and Jags for the comprehensive response - I will go away and investigate - so great knowing that you'll never be short of considerations after posting a question to the Thorn forum! :-)
Cheers
Fred
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say fred did you get any tours in this year. :)
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Thanks for asking Jags, but no I didn't.
Photography has become my main passion over the last 2 years, but now finally have a reasonable distance to commute on the RST - around trip of 14 miles. I find getting out of London to access decent training circuits too much of a demand on my time (and motivation) and family commitments have also played their part it's fair to say.
If anyone's interested however (and at the risk of going wildly off topic!), I've set up Facebook page that features my very latest photography efforts: https://www.facebook.com/FredAdamsPhotography (https://www.facebook.com/FredAdamsPhotography), and if you scroll down you can see some of the highlights of the past year or two. If you like what you see, feel free to like the page to get regular updates! :-)
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Cheers Fred your an artist with that camera ;)
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Most kind of you Jags and thanks for the like - back on topic I'll definitely check out Corrine Dennis.co.uk for cycling shorts!
Cheers
Fred
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Well the point which Danneaux has shared is the most more useful . I really appreciates his ideas regarding this . The most important thing is that he has mentioned about Sierra Trading which is known by its closeouts and unique styles as well . What about Rapha and other options in trousers because cycling need simple and light dress for better results . Isn't it ? .
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What about Rapha and other options in trousers...?
Hi George, and welcome to the Forum!
I'm glad you asked about Rapha and their trousers. As it happens, they have one version on sale at clearance prices right now:
http://www.rapha.cc/rapha-trousers
Rapha show a reference retail price of USD$110, reduced to $USD70 at the link above.
This is part of their larger page of clearance items, with prices reduced considerably:
http://www.rapha.cc/shop/clearance
Rapha call these items "Special offers on discontinued and out-of-season stock".
I hope this helps.
Best,
Dan.
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I have a pair of Endura Humvee trousers, and a pair of the shorts. The trousers are very tough and well made and specific for cycling and mountain biking. Many also wear them as day-to-day trousers as they are quite smart too! I love them! :D
http://www.endura.co.uk/Product.aspx?dept_id=110&prod_id=99 (http://www.endura.co.uk/Product.aspx?dept_id=110&prod_id=99)
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It's really good to see so many Brands and start-ups jumping on the cycling bandwagon now.
I've long been after cycling specific clothing that does the job but doesn't make you look like a roady, MTBer or a hill walker. We may be getting there soon. Unfortunately to late for me as I will be somewhere between Iraq and India.
Some other interesting brands for your perusal :
http://www.vulpine.cc/Shop/Coming-Soon/ICAT1021/COMING-SOON-TAILORED-TROUSERS-SHORTS/ITM1031
http://www.rohan.co.uk/Product/Detail/MensTShirtsAndTops_03263?ocode=03263360 Now doing cycling specific clothing. More to come according to the lovely people in Roy Pink.
http://www.torm.cc/ Raphalike without the price tag. Still bikey though.
http://www.rivbike.com/Clothing-s/42.htm
http://www.muxu.cc/
http://www.betabrand.com/pants/graphite-bike-to-work-pants.html I think somebody else mentioned these ???
http://www.osloh.com/ I might have heard about these from here too. Bit too RnB for me but I thought I'd throw it in. RnB in the Electronic HipHop Bling Sense and not Atlantic Records in the 50s 60s sense :)
I however will probably be going for this with the matching gillet
http://www.utsavfashion.com/store/item.aspx?icode=mgk3
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Hi All!
For those still following this thread, Rapha is in the midst of a January sale ( http://www.rapha.cc/shop/sale ) and are offering their City Trousers and Softshell Trousers at substantial discount, though the prices remain ehm, "substantial" even so.
Best,
Dan.
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Hi All!
For those still following this thread, Rapha is in the midst of a January sale ( http://www.rapha.cc/shop/sale ) and are offering their City Trousers and Softshell Trousers at substantial discount, though the prices remain ehm, "substantial" even so.
Best,
Dan.
Are they worth it?
I like to have good kit, and I dont mind paying more if I truly get more.
To say those are sale prices, they do seem quite steep.
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Zero,
I've never tried them, but those friends who have seem to like them. One wears his as a nice variation on office-wear. They avoid the traditional "sameness" of business wear, but avoid looking overly sporty as well. They've allowed cycle-commuting without the need/hassle of clothing changes on arrival.
I don't mind paying more if something will truly last. My Ex Officio Amphib shorts were an example. They cost ~USD$65, but will last through near-constant daily wear (swapping between pairs) 6 months/year for as much as four years before sun-rotting (become subject to spontaneous tears). A tremendous value and actually better value in daily use than less expensive shorts, but painful price-on-entry. Now, like many "perfect" products, they've been discontinued/redesigned into a less ideal product that in my opinion is not worth nearly as much.
Moral of the story: If you find the "perfect product", stock up when you can; it likely won't be available for long.
Hmm. Wonder if this could be used to "justify" multiple Thorn bikes -- "Oh, no, they might change. 'Best lay in a dozen now...".
Best,
Dan. (...who thinks there's no time like the present...unless it is tomorrow)
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While only suitable for a dry day I thought I would mention my M&S merino wool trousers (plus clips) performed very well today on a 20 mile each way ride - very comfortable. Whether the seat will stand up to regular biking we shall see. Based on links posted above have also ordered a Vulpine pair and will report back. Will keep the MTB gear for wet days or longer rides, but my typical ride did not seem to suffer by using work shoes and non biking clothes.
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I have some of the GE Ranchsliders and the Rapha City trousers, but it seems that nobody has mentioned my favourite cycle to work pants - the Showerspass Hybrid Zip-offs (http://www.showerspass.com/catalog/men/mens-pants/hybrid-zip-pant). Really comfortable, looks smart enough to wear at my workplace, normal zip, belt-compatible and favourable comments about their style from a few colleagues and cyclists.
(http://www.showerspass.com/sites/showerspass.com/files/imagecache/product/hybrid%20outfit_0.jpg)
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Now is that you or a male model.
you could throw a black bag on that guy and it would look well. ;D
i'm about half his size and twice his width wont say how many years older i am ::)
nice bike though.
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Photo from Showerspass website.
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I am in USA so my shopping options are quite different than most on this forum.
I recently bought a pair of these. They are on closeout, I have no idea when they will run out.
http://www.rei.com/product/853584/zoic-black-market-convertible-bike-pants-mens-2012-closeout
If the link above no longer works, try this one.
http://zoic.com/blackmarketconvertible
Mine are the tan ones, looks like now they only sell them in black.
I have not used them yet, but I have some of their shorts with lots of pockets and removable padded liner and have used their shorts quite a bit around town and on two bike tours. I have been very happy with the shorts.
The trousers are thin fabric, light weight but I do not expect them to be very warm.